PIC18LF25K42-E/SS - 8-bit XLP MCU 32KB Flash 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF25K42-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.93 | $1.93 |
| 10 | $1.74 | $17.40 |
| 100 | $1.55 | $155.00 |
| 500 | $1.4 | $700.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.25 | $1,250.00 |
PIC18LF25K42-E/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit MCU is a microcontroller that processes data in 8-bit words and is widely deployed in embedded systems that require deterministic, low-power, and cost-effective control. PIC18F K42 family MCUs occupy the mid-range tier of Microchip's PIC portfolio, between baseline PIC10/12/16 devices and 16-bit dsPIC / 32-bit PIC32 parts. Within the family hierarchy, the PIC18LF25K42 is the low-voltage F-variant of the PIC18F25K42, optimized for ultra-low-power XLP operation.
Key features include 12-bit ADC2 with up to 35 channels, 8-bit DAC outputs, high-speed comparators with selectable reference, Complementary Waveform Generators (CWG), 10-bit PWM with multiple modes, Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing. The integrated DMA engine enables data movement between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention, offloading routine transfers and improving throughput for communication and sensor-sampling tasks.
The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-voltage F-variant of the family, which is engineered for XLP (eXtreme Low Power) operation with sub-uA sleep currents and multiple power-saving modes (Idle, DOZE, Sleep, Deep Sleep, and Peripheral Module Disable). On-chip peripherals are designed to operate autonomously while the CPU is halted, enabling long battery life in IoT edge nodes.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered medical devices, home automation controllers, automotive body and lighting subsystems, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer appliance control panels. The 28-SSOP footprint supports hand-solderable prototyping while remaining compatible with high-volume SMT assembly lines.
When designing with this device, reserve careful attention to oscillator configuration and PPS mapping: PPS must be locked before code execution proceeds to ensure peripheral signals appear on the expected pins. The E/SS suffix indicates the Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and SSOP-28 package, both documented in the manufacturer datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF25K42-E/SS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC18LF25K42-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Voltage Range, Package, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K42-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K42-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K42-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K42-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit |
| Family | PIC18 K42 (PIC XLP 18K) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 (channels per datasheet) |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC outputs |
| Comparators | High-speed comparators with selectable reference |
| PWM | 10-bit PWM, multiple channels and modes |
| DMA Controller | Yes (on-chip) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes |
| Vectored Interrupts | Yes |
| Low-Power Modes | XLP: Idle, DOZE, Sleep, Deep Sleep, PMD |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended grade, E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listing) |
PIC18LF25K42-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA I/O / analog / CWG reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA I/O / analog |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — PORTA I/O / analog |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — PORTA I/O / analog |
| Pin 5 | RA6 — PORTA I/O / OSCI |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — PORTA I/O / OSCO |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA0 — PORTA I/O / analog |
| Pin 10 | RA1 — PORTA I/O / analog |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — PORTB I/O / analog |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — PORTB I/O / analog |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — PORTB I/O / analog |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — PORTB I/O / analog |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — PORTB I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — PORTB I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — PORTB I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — PORTC I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — PORTC I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF25K42-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Automation Controller, Automotive Body and Lighting Module, Industrial Sensor Interface, Portable Medical Monitoring Device, Consumer Appliance Control Panel.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF25K42-E/SS is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range directly supports single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA chemistries, and the XLP architecture delivers sub-uA deep-sleep currents for multi-year battery life. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation and on-chip DMA allow the MCU to wake, sample multiple sensors, perform averaging, and return to sleep entirely without CPU intervention, dramatically reducing average power. The 32 KB Flash holds a complete LoRaWAN, BLE, or sub-GHz protocol stack plus application code, while the 28-SSOP package remains hand-solderable for prototype IoT hardware.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
In a home automation hub or wall-switch controller, the PIC18LF25K42-E/SS provides the deterministic 8-bit processing and rich peripheral set needed to drive relays, dimmers, and user interfaces. Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) routes UART, SPI, and PWM to virtually any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing of touch keypads, RGB LED drivers, and wireless module connections. Vectored interrupts and DMA offload real-time wireless stack tasks, while the 12-bit ADC reads light, temperature, and humidity sensors for occupancy-aware control. The 28-SSOP package drops into compact switch and dimmer enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting Module
The PIC18LF25K42-E/SS Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) makes it suitable for non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting, ambient LED strips, and seat-control subsystems. The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and 10-bit PWM peripherals drive LED strings with smooth dimming curves, while Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) implement fault-detection logic in hardware without CPU overhead. The DMA engine handles CAN-LIN message buffering, and the 32 KB Flash accommodates a LIN slave stack plus application logic. The 28-SSOP withstands automotive underhood thermal environments when PCB copper is sized appropriately.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensors and HART field instruments benefit from the PIC18LF25K42-E/SS extended temperature rating and its 12-bit ADC2 with computation engine. The ADC's oversampling and averaging features reduce noise-induced errors in low-level analog measurements, while the high-speed comparator handles threshold detection for alarm outputs. Vectored interrupts guarantee deterministic response to time-critical events, and XLP modes extend battery life in remote wireless sensor installations. The 28-SSOP package is compatible with conformal-coated industrial PCBs and high-vibration environments.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Device
Portable medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and wearable patches demand ultra-low sleep current and deterministic sensor acquisition, both delivered by the PIC18LF25K42-E/SS. The DMA engine moves ADC samples into memory buffers while the CPU performs heart-rate or SpO2 calculations, and XLP deep-sleep mode minimizes idle current between measurements. The 12-bit ADC2 captures photodiode signals from SpO2 sensors or bio-impedance electrodes, while PWM drives LED excitation currents. Extended temperature operation supports storage and shipping across climates.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panel
Consumer appliances such as coffee machines, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops use the PIC18LF25K42-E/SS as a user-interface and safety controller. The CWG and PWM peripherals generate triac firing pulses for AC load control, the comparators monitor zero-cross detection, and the high-resolution ADC reads temperature sensors for over-temperature protection. Vectored interrupts provide immediate response to safety events (door open, over-temp), while Peripheral Pin Select simplifies the PCB routing of LED displays, keypads, and rotary encoders. The Extended temperature grade tolerates the heat of appliance enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF25K42-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K42-E/SS | PIC18LF25K42-I/SS | PIC18LF24K42-I/SS | PIC18LF25K22-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SOIC (different body) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| DMA Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (older K22 family) |
| Approx. Unit Price (1 pc) | $1.93 (as of 2026-09-28) | $1.95 (similar) | $1.85 (slightly lower) | $1.60 (smaller Flash) | $1.70 (older family) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) for harsh-environment and automotive use (vs PIC18LF25K42-I/SS)
- On-chip DMA controller offloads peripheral-to-memory transfers (vs PIC18LF25K22-I/SO)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing (vs PIC18LF24K42-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF25K42-E/SS supports XLP deep-sleep currents below 1 uA when properly configured. Use the Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) registers to gate unused peripherals before entering Sleep, and switch the system clock to LFINTOSC (31 kHz) during Idle to drop active current toward 100 uA. Verify WDT, BOR, and LPBOR settings in CONFIG3 - enabling LPBOR adds safety at the cost of ~10 uA in sleep.
Place the VDD decoupling capacitor (100 nF X7R) within 3 mm of the VDD pins (pin 8 and pin 20), with a second 10 uF bulk capacitor nearby. Both VSS pins (7 and 19) must be connected to a continuous ground plane for digital-noise return paths. Route the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) to an in-circuit programming header with no series resistance greater than 100 ohm, or in-system programming will fail intermittently.
PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) registers must be unlocked, configured, and re-locked in the device initialization routine - leaving PPS unlocked is undefined per the manufacturer datasheet. The CONFIG words must be programmed before code execution reaches main(); use the MPLAB X code configurator or MCC to generate the proper CONFIG values. Forgetting to disable JTAG (CONFIG4L bits) on PPS-mapped pins will cause GPIO to malfunction on those pins.
The 28-SSOP lead frame introduces slightly higher parasitic inductance than QFN packages; keep high-speed digital traces (SPI >10 MHz, PWM >20 kHz with >50 mA load) short and use a ground return path on an adjacent layer. The analog AVSS/AVDD pins share the digital supply rails on 28-pin K42 devices - route sensitive analog traces (ADC inputs, comparator references) away from PWM and digital switching lines to minimize coupled noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings (Mouser, DigiKey). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the part is Extended temp grade but not formally automotive-qualified; for AEC-Q100 applications use the PIC18F25K42-E/SS with vendor-specific PPAP documentation. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data - consult Microchip's material declaration for confirmation.
